Methods and apparatus for identifying and categorizing distributed devices

ABSTRACT

Systems for identifying and categorizing distributed devices, e.g., lighting fixtures and thermostats, is disclosed. In an embodiment, a user ( 200 ) sends a low power discovery message to devices ( 201 ) using a portable programming tool ( 100 ). The devices ( 201 ) within range respond with identification information. The portable programming tool ( 100 ) organizes the responses by proximity and sends a “flash” message to the device with the closest perceived proximity. That device responds with a visual or audible signal ( 202 ), allowing the user ( 200 ) to determine whether that device is the one intended for selection. If so, the user initiates a store routine in which identification information, including category information, is stored in one or more locations, such as, the selected device ( 201 ), the portable programming tool ( 100 ), and/or a central or local controller ( 1100 ). The identification and categorization can, for example, be used to automate load shedding and to reduce energy consumption.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 12/639,122 filed Dec. 16, 2009, the contents of which in itsentirety is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for identifying,categorizing, and, optionally, controlling distributed devices.

In one embodiment, the methods and apparatus are used to control energyusage and, in particular, to efficiently categorize, by location and/orby type, the energy consuming devices of an industrial, commercial,governmental, or similar facility. For ease of presentation, parts ofthe following discussion are in terms of this embodiment, it beingunderstood that the focus on energy usage is only to facilitate thedescription and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention inany manner.

NOMENCLATURE

To provide a consistent and more easily readable nomenclature, pluralsof the various abbreviations used herein are indicated by theconstruction “(s)”.

BACKGROUND

Facilities management has become a highly specialized engineeringdiscipline with major professional societies dedicated to its furtherdevelopment both in the United States and abroad. See, for example, theAmerican Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air ConditioningEngineers (ASHRAE) in the United States and the Chartered Institution ofBuilding Services Engineers (CIBSE) in the UK. Among the many goals of afacility manager is to reduce energy consumption, both for environmentaland economic reasons.

An important tool in effective facilities management is the ability toelectronically communicate with operating equipment (includingcontrollers for such equipment) distributed within a facility, eitherfrom one or more centralized locations or locally. Examples of the typesof operating equipment which can be monitored/controlled using suchcommunication include lighting devices (e.g., incandescent lights,fluorescent lights, and/or LED lights), heating, air conditioning, andventilation equipment and/or the controls for such equipment (e.g.,thermostats in different parts of a facility), and in the case of amanufacturing plant, some or all of the equipment or equipmentcontrollers used in manufacturing a product. In a typical application,different settings will be established for individual pieces ofequipment or groups of equipment depending on such variables as theequipment's location in the facility, the type of equipment, the time ofday, the day of the week, the season, the level of business activity(e.g., the number of manufacturing shifts), and the like.

To permit such communication, modern operating equipment and/orcontrollers for such equipment are often equipped with a communicationsport which allows a remote computer to set the equipment's operatingstate (e.g., on or off in the case of lighting, the set temperature of athermostat, and the like). Various known methods can be used to connectthe controlled device to the computer, e.g., hardwiring, Ethernet, or RFsignals.

Unfortunately, the efficient categorizing of controlled equipment bylocation and/or type in a facility has proven to be a difficult problem.The current art uses the brute force approach of tagging each piece ofequipment before it is installed and then making sure that eachindividual piece is installed at its intended location and that nosubstitutions take place during installation. As can be imagined, inpractice, this approach can be a nightmare, especially for equipmentwhich may have numerous repeats in a single facility (e.g., thermostatswhich can number in the hundreds and fluorescent fixtures which cannumber in the thousands for a major office building).

U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,284,689 and 7,503,478 to R. Clark Jeffery discloseequipment identification systems based on bar code or RFID tags. Seealso PCT Patent Publication No. WO 2006/077280. Significantly, none ofthese references deal with the real world situation where a givenlocation in a facility will have multiple pieces of equipment that needcategorization. In particular, these references do not disclose how todistinguish one piece of equipment from its neighbor and how to confirmthat the desired piece of equipment has been categorized. The facilitiesmanager is thus still left with the problem of verifying that his/herfacility map is accurate and reliable. The present disclosure addressesthis problem and provides solutions to the problem that can beefficiently implemented in a cost effective manner.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first aspect, a method is disclosed for identifyingan individual electrical device among a plurality ofspatially-distributed electrical devices, each of the devices havingassociated therewith an RF transceiver, the method including:

-   -   (A) broadcasting, from a portable device, an RF discovery        request to the spatially-distributed electrical devices        requesting RF transmissions from the devices of identification        information, the identification information including at least        an identification number;    -   (B) receiving, at the portable device, RF transmissions        including identification numbers returned by devices as a result        of step (A) and determining a perceived proximity for each        received RF transmission;    -   (C) ordering the identification numbers received in step (B) by        perceived proximity;    -   (D) selecting an identification number from the ordered        identification numbers of step (C), the selected identification        number corresponding to the device having the closest perceived        proximity, and then, as selected by an operator, performing at        least one of:        -   (i) transmitting an RF signal to the device associated with            the selected identification number so as to cause the device            to produce a visual or audible signal;        -   (ii) transmitting an RF signal to the device associated with            the selected identification number so as to cause the device            to store category information for the device;        -   (iii) storing category information for the device associated            with the selected identification number in a memory            associated with the portable device and/or in a memory            associated with a remote controller; and    -   (E) optionally, as selected by an operator, repeating step (D)        with at least one other identification number corresponding to a        device having a perceived proximity greater than the closest        perceived proximity.

In accordance with a second aspect, a system is disclosed whichincludes:

-   -   (A) a plurality of spatially-distributed electrical devices,        each of the devices having associated therewith an RF        transceiver and a microprocessor programmed to perform at least        the following operations:        -   (i) receive an RF discovery request from a portable            programming tool; and        -   (ii) transmit an RF signal including an identification            number in response to the RF discovery request;    -   (B) a portable programming tool including an RF transceiver and        a microprocessor system programmed to perform at least the        following operations:        -   (i) broadcasting an RF discovery signal which requests            spatially-distributed electrical devices to return at least            an identification number;        -   (ii) receiving RF signals from spatially-distributed            electrical devices, the RF signals including identification            numbers, and determining a perceived proximity for each            received RF signal;        -   (iii) ordering the identification numbers by perceived            proximity;        -   (iv) selecting an identification number from the ordered            identification numbers, the selected identification number            corresponding to the device having the closest perceived            proximity,        -   (v) receiving an operator input and based on that input,            performing at least one of:            -   (a) transmitting an RF signal to the device associated                with the selected identification number so as to cause                the device to produce a visual or audible signal;            -   (b) transmitting an RF signal to the device associated                with the selected identification number so as to cause                the device to store category information for the device;            -   (c) storing category information for the device                associated with the selected identification number in a                memory associated with the portable device and/or in a                memory associated with a remote controller; and        -   (vi) optionally, receiving an operator input and based on            that input, repeating (v) with at least one other            identification number corresponding to a device having a            perceived proximity greater than the closest perceived            proximity.

In accordance with a third aspect, a portable programming tool isdisclosed which includes:

-   -   (A) an RF transceiver, and    -   (B) a microprocessor system programmed to perform at least the        following operations:        -   (i) broadcasting an RF discovery signal which requests            electrical devices to return at least an identification            number;        -   (ii) receiving RF signals from electrical devices, the RF            signals including identification numbers, and determining a            perceived proximity for each received RF signal;        -   (iii) ordering the identification numbers by perceived            proximity; and        -   (iv) selecting an identification number from the ordered            identification numbers, the selected identification number            corresponding to the device having the closest perceived            proximity, and        -   (v) receiving an operator input and based on that input,            performing at least one of:            -   (a) transmitting an RF signal to the device associated                with the selected identification number so as to cause                the device to produce a visual or audible signal;            -   (b) transmitting an RF signal to the device associated                with the selected identification number so as to cause                the device to store category information for the device.

In accordance with a fourth aspect, apparatus is disclosed whichincludes:

-   -   (A) an electrical device which needs to be identified and        categorized;    -   (B) an RF transceiver; and    -   (C) a microprocessor programmed to perform at least the        following operations:        -   (i) receive an RF discovery request from a programming tool;        -   (ii) transmit an RF signal including an identification            number in response to the RF discovery request;        -   (iii) receive an RF signal from the programming tool and            thereupon produce a visual or audible signal; and        -   (iv) receive an RF signal from the programming tool and            thereupon store category information for the device in a            memory associated with the microprocessor.

Additional features and advantages of the invention are set forth in thedetailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparentto those skilled in the art from that description or recognized bypracticing the invention as described herein. The accompanying drawingsare included to provide a further understanding of the invention, andare incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. It isto be understood that the various features of the invention disclosed inthis specification and in the drawings can be used in any and allcombinations. More generally, it is to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following detailed description aremerely exemplary of the invention and are intended to provide anon-limiting overview or framework for understanding the nature andcharacter of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a handheld embodiment of a PPTool.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an operator using the handheld PPTool ofFIG. 1 to identify and categorize light fixtures in a commercialfacility.

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of an embodiment of microprocessor andtransceiver hardware that can be used in a CAsm, a PPTool, and/or aCCtrl.

FIG. 4 is a circuit block diagram of an embodiment of a fluorescentfixture CAsm.

FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram of an embodiment of a thermostat CAsm.

FIGS. 6A-6D are drawings of embodiments of PPTool(s).

FIG. 7 is a circuit block diagram of an embodiment of a PPTool.

FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram of an embodiment of a PPTool whichemploys a USB interface.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an embodiment of programming andoperation of a PPTool.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are flow charts showing an embodiment of programming andoperation of a CAsm.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an Ethernet communicationcircuit.

FIG. 13 is a drawing of a physical embodiment of the Ethernetcommunication block diagram of FIG. 12.

THE REFERENCE NUMBERS USED IN THE DRAWINGS REFER TO THE FOLLOWING

-   -   100 PPTool    -   102 PPTool display    -   104 PPTool keypad    -   106 DISCOVER button    -   108 STORE button    -   110 NEXT button    -   112 EXIT button    -   200 operator    -   201 light fixture    -   202 light flash    -   250 thermostat    -   252 light switch    -   300 microprocessor subunit    -   302 external device interface    -   304 serial interface    -   306 timers    -   308 oscillator    -   310 real time clock    -   312 clock generator circuit    -   314 CPU    -   316 nonvolatile memory    -   318 program memory    -   320 RAM    -   322 transceiver interface    -   324 crystal    -   326 serial peripheral interface port    -   340 microprocessor circuitry    -   350 transceiver subunit    -   352 microprocessor interface    -   354 power amplifier (PA)    -   356 mixer    -   358 filter    -   360 digital-to-analog converter (DAC)    -   362 digital modulator    -   364 crystal-controlled oscillator    -   366 frequency synthesizer    -   368 low noise amplifier    -   370 filter    -   372 mixer    -   374 analog to digital converter (ADC)    -   376 digital filter and demodulator    -   378 automatic gain controller (AGC)    -   380 filtering and antenna matching network    -   384 crystal    -   386 antenna    -   390 transceiver circuitry    -   400 fluorescent lamps    -   402 inductive/capacitive matching circuit    -   404 half bridge switch    -   406 power factor correction circuit    -   408 low voltage power supply    -   410 AC power    -   412 capacitive coupling    -   414 filter    -   420 ballast interface    -   430 antenna    -   500 thermostat display    -   502 thermostat keypad    -   504 thermostat temperature sensor    -   506 display interface    -   508 keypad interface    -   510 temperature sensor interface    -   600 portable device    -   602 USB stick    -   604 housing for USB RF unit    -   608 communication device    -   610 cradle for communication device    -   702 PPTool's keypad and buttons    -   704 PPTool's display    -   706 interface to PPTool's keypad and buttons    -   708 interface to PPTool's display    -   804 USB port    -   808 USB connector    -   806 USB cable    -   810 USB controller    -   812 USB controller interface    -   1002 Ethernet connection    -   1006 Ethernet controller    -   1008 display    -   1010 Ethernet interface    -   1012 display interface    -   1016 antenna    -   1100 local CCtrl device    -   1301-1313 numbered flowchart blocks of FIG. 10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to the problem of identifying,categorizing, and, in some embodiments, controlling substantial numbers,typically, much greater than 20, of distributed electrical devices. Suchdevices can, for example, be devices that perform generally the samefunction, such as, lighting fixtures distributed throughout anindustrial, commercial, governmental, or similar facility. All of thelighting fixtures perform generally the same function of providingillumination, although, of course, some fixtures may provide moreillumination than others. Likewise, some fixtures may providespecialized illumination, e.g., task lighting, while others provide areaillumination. In a typical setting, similar fixtures or just a few typesof fixtures are used throughout a given facility. As a result of theseconsiderations, the problem of identifying, categorizing, and thencontrolling individual lighting fixtures or groups of fixtures hasproved very challenging and to date there has been no efficient methodfor addressing this problem.

Similar problems apply to the heating/cooling of large facilities wherenumerous zones are common. Other contexts in which multiple devicesperform generally the same function include golf course sprinklersystems where multiple spray heads are distributed over the course andneed to be grouped for efficient water usage with the output of thegroups being different depending on the season and local weatherconditions. It can thus be seen that the problem of identifying,categorizing, and controlling multiple devices which perform generallythe same function arises in a variety of contexts, in none of which hasthe problem been solved in a satisfactory manner.

To address the problems associated with identifying, categorizing, andcontrolling the foregoing and other types of devices (referred to hereinas “spatially-distributed devices” or “SDD(s)”), in some embodiments,the present disclosure employs three basic elements:

-   -   (1) at least one portable programming tool (PPTool),    -   (2) at least one central controller (CCtrl), which itself may be        a PPTool, and    -   (3) a controller associated with each of the SDD(s) that        includes an RF unit, the combination of a controller and its        associated SDD being referred to herein as a controllable        assembly (CAsm).

By means of the controllers and their RF units, each of the one or morePPTool(s) and each of the one or more CCtrl(s) is able to communicatewith each of the CAsm(s) and thus control each of the SDD(s). Asdiscussed below, the one or more PPTool(s) are used to identify andinitially categorize the CAsm(s), while the one or more CCtrl(s) (or, insome embodiments, the one or more PPTool(s) either alone or incombination with one or more CCtrl(s)) are used to communicate with theCAsm(s) and thus control the SDD(s). In certain embodiments, the one ormore CCtrl(s) (or, in some embodiments, the one or more PPTool(s)) canalso be used for re-categorization or sub-categorization of the initialcategorization.

For ease of presentation, the description which follows is organized asfollows:

-   -   I. Controllable Assemblies (CAsm(s))    -   II. Identification and Categorization of CAsm(s)    -   III. The Portable Programming Tool (PPTool)        -   A. Introduction        -   B. Examples of Physical Embodiments of PPTool(s)        -   C. Example of PPTool Circuitry        -   D. Example of PPTool and CAsm Programming and Operation    -   IV. The Central Controller (CCtrl)    -   V. Representative Scenarios        -   A. Load Shedding by Power Companies or Power Aggregators        -   B. Setting Night Lights

Before turning to the above outline, for purposes of providing anoverview, it is helpful to consider a specific (non-limiting) example ofa CAsm/PPTool/CCtrl system where the SDD(s) are overhead light fixtures,e.g., 2 or 4 bulb fluorescent light fixtures. This example is especiallyrelevant because commercial lighting consumes approximately the sameamount of energy as heating/cooling and the number of lighting fixturesin facilities are so great as to make manual identification andcategorization impractical in view of the extensive deployment andupdating expense, and the effort and expense needed to correctinevitable errors.

For this example, it is assumed that each fluorescent fixture (each SDD)has associated therewith a controller which includes an RF unit so thatit can function as a CAsm. For ease of presentation, it will be assumedthat there is a single PPTool and a single CCtrl, with the PPTool beinga dedicated handheld device. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, for thisexample, when an initial identification/categorization procedure or anoperator-based identification/re-categorization procedure is to beperformed, an operator 200 will enter a room containing a number oflight fixtures 201 with a PPTool 100. In addition to the light fixtures,the room can also include a thermostat 250 and a switch 252, either orboth of which can also be a CAsm.

The process begins with the operator 200 positioning the PPTool 100relatively close to a first light fixture (first SDD) that needs to bediscovered. The operator then presses the PPTool's DISCOVER button 106.In response, the PPTool transmits a low power DISCOVERY messagerequesting all CAsm(s) which include a SDD of a certain type, i.e., inthis case, all CAsm(s) whose SDD is a light fixture, to respond withidentification information. Alternatively, pressing button 106 can causeall CAsm(s) irrespective of their SDD type to respond withidentification information.

In response to the discovery request, i.e., the DISCOVERY message, allrelevant CAsm(s) within range (where range may include a signal strengthcriterion; see below) respond with their identification information(i.e., at least an identification number) at low RF power. Thoseresponses are stored by the PPTool along with proximity information,which in this introductory discussion will be assumed to be the RFsignal strengths of the responses, it being understood that, asdiscussed below, the proximity information can be based on time offlight. After sorting the responses by signal strength, a FLASH message(i.e., a message to produce a human-perceivable visual or audiblesignal; e.g., light flash 202 in FIG. 2) is sent to the CAsm with thestrongest RF signal using the assembly's identification number so thatonly that assembly responds.

In most cases, the CAsm with the strongest RF signal and thus theassembly which responds to the FLASH message will be the assemblyclosest to the operator, but in some infrequent cases the assembly thatresponds can be a more remote assembly due to, for example, localreflections or absorptions of the RF communication signals. If uponperceiving the response of the CAsm with the strongest RF signal to theFLASH message, e.g., upon perceiving the light flash 202 in FIG. 2, theoperator accepts the SDD of that CAsm as the correct device, theoperator presses the PPTool's STORE button 108.

The resulting STORE command causes the PPTool to save identificationinformation for the CAsm in the PPTool's nonvolatile memory and/or inthe nonvolatile memory of the CCtrl. The identification informationincludes at least the CAsm's identification number as well as categoryinformation for subsequent use in, for example, controlling the SDD,e.g., device type category information, spatial location categoryinformation, type of use category information, etc. The STORE commandcan also cause a transmission containing category information to be sentto the CAsm for storage in the assembly's nonvolatile memory.

Thereafter, the operator can press NEXT button 110 which will cause thePPTool to send a FLASH message to the CAsm with the next strongest RFsignal. Upon observing the response of the SDD associated with thatCAsm, the operator decides whether or not its identification information(i.e., identification number and category information) should be storedin the same manner as the first SDD. Typically, the process is repeateduntil all devices within range of the DISCOVERY message have beenenumerated, but in some cases, the operator may terminate the processearly, e.g., during re-categorization where only some of the SSD(s) needto be communicated with. Once the operator has completed theidentification process in one location, he/she can move to a newlocation and press the DISCOVER button to repeat the process for a newset of SDD(s).

Depending on the distance between the two locations and the RF signalstrength of the DISCOVERY message, there may be overlap between theCAsm(s) that respond to the discovery request at the two locations. Theoperator can use the NEXT button to skip over a CAsm which has alreadybeen identified and categorized, or can add additional information orsubstitute new information for the CAsm as appropriate.

Once the CAsm(s) have been identified, the CCtrl and/or the PPTool canbe used to provide lighting control for the facility. As just oneexample, the CCtrl can use the identification information acquiredthrough the discovery process to provide reduced illumination at certainlocations during the evening or at other times when the facility is notin use. Other non-limiting examples are discussed below in Section V.

The message from the CCtrl and/or a control message from the PPTool willnormally have the following components: (1) category informationidentifying which CAsm(s) are relevant; and (2) an instruction to theCAsm on what is to be done. Alternatively, the message could have: (1)the CAsm's identification number; and (2) an instruction to the CAsm onwhat is to be done. In either case, if the CAsm(s) are going to be usedto repeat the message (see below), the message will in addition normallycontain: (3) a message ID which at least over the relevant time periodis unique, and (4) the number of times the message should beretransmitted by the CAsm(s) (the HOPS value; see below).

With the foregoing specific example as background, we now turn to adiscussion of the topics set forth in the above outline.

I. Controllable Assemblies (CAsm(s))

In one embodiment, the controllable assemblies (CAsm(s)) comprise (1)one of the plurality of spatially-distributed devices (SDD(s)) and (2) aSDD-controller which comprises a microprocessor with associated memory,a microprocessor-SDD interface, and an RF unit, i.e., an RF transceivercontrolled by the microprocessor, where the RF transceiver provides theCAsm with RF communication to: (a) one or more PPTool(s), (b) one ormore CCtrl(s), and/or (c) in embodiments employing messageretransmission, one or more other CAsm(s).

FIG. 3 shows representative microprocessor/RF transceiver circuitry thatcan be used as a SDD-controller. As discussed below, circuitry of thesame general type with different programming and device interfaces canbe used in the PPTool and/or the CCtrl for effecting RF communication,which can be advantageous in reducing system design costs.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, the SDD-controller includes two main subunits,i.e., microprocessor subunit 300 and transceiver subunit 350. Themicroprocessor subunit includes CPU 314, program memory 318, and RAM320, as well as crystal 324, oscillator 308, and a clock generatorcircuit 312, and, depending on the specific SDD (or PPTool or CCtrl), areal time clock 310, a nonvolatile memory 316, one or more timers 306, aserial interface 304, and interfaces 302 to external devices. In thecase of SDD(s), the microprocessor subunit 300 can, for example, have 8Kto 64K of program memory and a clock speed of approximately 30megahertz. Suitable devices are commercially available from varioussuppliers, e.g., FREESCALE, TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, and ATMEL. Themicroprocessor subunit and transceiver subunit typically communicatethrough a serial peripheral interface (SPI) port 326 between themicroprocessor's transceiver interface 322 and the transceiver'smicroprocessor interface 352.

Transceiver subunit 350 is composed of a transmitter portion, e.g., adigitally-controlled transmitter, and a receiver portion. Common to boththe transmitter and the receiver are a crystal-controlled oscillator364, its associated crystal 384, and a frequency synthesizer 366 whosefrequency is controlled by the microprocessor subunit 300 through theSPI port. As shown in FIG. 3, the digitally-controlled transmitterincludes a digital modulator 362 which receives a data stream from themicroprocessor subunit and provides an output to a digital-to-analogconverter (DAC) 360. The output of the DAC is filtered by filter 358 andthen mixed by mixer 356 with a synthesized frequency from frequencysynthesizer 366 to generate the RF signal. This signal is amplified bypower amplifier (PA) 354 whose gain is controlled by the microprocessorsubunit, thereby controlling the RF signal power. The output of thepower amplifier is coupled to antenna 386 through filtering and antennamatching (impedance matching) network 380.

The receiver portion of transceiver subunit 350 receives a signalthrough antenna 386 and the signal is filtered and coupled throughmatching network 380 to low noise amplifier 368, whose gain iscontrolled by automatic gain controller (AGC) 378. This received signalis passed through filter 370 and then mixed by mixer 372 with thesynthesized frequency produced by frequency synthesizer 366. The outputof the mixer is fed to analog to digital converter (ADC) 374. Its outputis digitally filtered and demodulated in unit 376, and the demodulatedsignal is then sent to the microprocessor subunit through the SPIinterface. The signal level received at digital demodulator 376 is usedto control the AGC level so as to control the gain of the low noiseamplifier 368 and filter 370 to keep the signal strength substantiallyconstant through the filter, mixer, and demodulator. Suitabletransceiver subunits 350 are commercially available from varioussuppliers, e.g., ANALOG DEVICES, TEXAS INSTRUMENTS, and ATMEL.

As indicated above, microprocessor subunit 300 includes a deviceinterface. The specific interface used will depend on the particulartype of SDD that is being controlled. For example, in the case of afluorescent light fixture, the device interface can be as simple asapplying a control signal from microprocessor subunit 300 to a powerswitch, e.g., a TRIAC or relay, which turns the fluorescent fixture onand off. Note that the power switch can be equipped with a tonegenerator and/or a light source so that it can respond to a FLASHmessage from a PPTool. Alternatively, the SDD-controller can beprogrammed to briefly activate the power switch and thus cause thefluorescent fixture to flash in response to the FLASH message.

FIG. 4 shows a more sophisticated fluorescent light CAsm which includesan interface that achieves variable light output with feedback to themicroprocessor. In this embodiment, one or more fluorescent lamps 400are powered by AC power 410. The power in passes through power factorcorrection circuit 406 and then to half bridge switch 404 andinductive/capacitive matching circuit 402. The assembly can also includea low voltage power supply 408 which receives line voltage and outputs alow voltage suitable for powering microprocessor circuitry 340 andtransceiver circuitry 390.

The feedback to the microprocessor which allows for variable lightoutput constitutes the values of the fluorescent bulb's arc current andvoltage which are provided to the microprocessor circuitry 340 throughballast interface 420. These values are used to generate an outputfrequency which is fed to the fixture's half bridge switch 404, againthrough the ballast interface. As noted above, the half bridge switch iscoupled to the fluorescent lamp(s) through inductive/capacitive lampmatching network 402. By varying the output frequency produced by themicroprocessor, the arc current through the bulb can be adjusted which,in turn, determines the bulb's brightness. The filament current alsovaries with the output frequency, but to a lesser extent than the arccurrent. Inductive/capacitive network 402 ensures that the filamentcurrent remains substantially constant even though arc current ischanging to change the brightness of the bulb. A substantially constantfilament current is of value since low currents result in filamentsputtering and high currents result in filament vaporization, both ofwhich are associated with short filament life and thus premature lampfailure. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,600.

RF communication with fluorescent light fixtures is challenging becausethe electronic ballast and wiring to the lamps are generally enclosed inmetal, which blocks RF transmission. To address this problem, in FIG. 4,the RF output is capacitively coupled to the wires leading to the lamp(see reference numbers 412 in FIG. 4). These wires extent beyond thefixture's metal housing and thus are capable of functioning as anantenna for the transceiver subunit of the SDD-controller. An alternateconstruction involves piercing a hole through the fixture's metalhousing and passing an antenna 430 through the hole. This alternativeworks best for new fixtures since the hole can be reliably produced atthe factory rather than relying on an in-field modification.

FIG. 5 shows suitable circuitry in the case of a SDD which isthermostat. In this case, the microprocessor circuitry 340 can interfaceat a low voltage with the thermostat's display 500, keypad 502, andtemperature sensor 504 using interfaces 506, 508, and 510, respectively.In an embodiment, the thermostat appears to the user as functioning inthe same manner as a conventional thermostat. However, because itincludes RF subunit 350, one or more PPTool(s) and/or one or moreCCtrl(s) can communicate with the thermostat to monitor, override, orotherwise change/control the user's inputs. Aside from normalcontrol/monitoring functions, a thermostatic CAsm can provideinformation to one or more PPtool(s) and/or one or more CCtrl(s) offault conditions, e.g., a condition under which a desired temperaturecannot be maintained by the thermostat indicating a system failurerequiring intervention by the maintenance staff.

The above examples of a fluorescent light fixture and a thermostat are,of course, merely two examples of the types of SDD(s) that can be usedin the practice of the present disclosure. The SDD can be essentiallyany type of electrical device which is used in sufficient numbers in afacility so as to be in need of efficient identification andcategorization.

For example, the SDD can be an input device which provides informationto one or more PPTool(s) and/or one or more CCtrl(s) and/or one or moreother SDD(s). Examples of input devices which could be in need ofidentification and categorization include light sensors, temperaturesensors, humidity sensors, wall switches, and the like. On the otherhand, the SDD can be an output device which can be a relay, a SCR, aTRIAC, or another type of power driver. In turn, such output devices cancontrol motors, pumps, valves, fans, dampers, lights, shades, dimmers,etc. Based on the foregoing disclosure, the skilled person can readilyselect device interfaces for these and other types of SDD(s) and thuscan construct SDD-controller(s) for the devices using circuitry of, forexample, the type shown in FIG. 3 or equivalent circuitry now known orsubsequently developed.

The SDD-controller can be combined with the SDD at the time the SDD ismanufactured or can be retrofitted to SDD(s) already in existence or inservice. Retrofitting is relatively easy to perform since the controlleruses very low power (e.g., the standby power of the unit can be one theorder of 30 microwatts and the power during operation can be on theorder of 0.1 watts) and can be packaged in a small space (e.g., the unitcan have a packaged volume on the order of 0.25 cubic inches withcurrent technology and can be expected to be even smaller in thefuture). Indeed, since the controller spends most of its time in itsstandby (sleep) mode, it can be battery powered, although for manyapplications connection to the power source for the SDD will beconvenient and will avoid the need for periodic replacement of thebattery (see, for example, low voltage power supply 408 in FIG. 4). Forsome applications, e.g., converting a valve to a CAsm, theSDD-controller and a switch for operating the main device, e.g., a relayor TRIAC, will normally be supplied as a single unit with appropriatehardware for mounting.

II. Identification and Categorization of CAsm(s)

However done, i.e., whether at the factory or in the field, eachSDD-controller and thus each CAsm needs to have an identification numberthat is unique with respect to all other identification numbers used forSDD(s) in a particular facility, where the facility may include morethan one physical plant.

One convenient way to achieve such uniqueness is to sequentially numberall SDD-controller(s) with a manufacturer code and a unique sequentialnumber for each unit, e.g., numbering of the controllers in accordancewith the MAC numbering system provided by the IEEE. Less sophisticatednumbering systems can be used if desired. Also, although absolutelyunique numbers throughout a facility is desirable, the identificationand categorization procedures disclosed herein can be practiced using,for example, random numbers generated by the microprocessor subunits ofthe SDD-controller(s), since the probability of duplication in a typicalfacility from such an approach is low.

Whatever technique is used, each SDD/SDD-controller combination (i.e.,each CAsm) when installed and ready for identification andcategorization will have a unique identification number through theunique identification number of its SDD-controller. To understand theneed for categorization of CAsm(s), it is helpful to consider thetypical problem of fluorescent lighting over a shop floor in anmanufacturing facility.

As a representative configuration, consider the case of one hundred andfifty fixtures illuminating an area of 10,000 square feet.Conventionally, all the lights are manually turned on when the firstperson arrives in the morning and turned off when the last personleaves, and no accommodation is made for variations in activity on theshop floor during the workday. Similarly, no accommodation is made forsunlight entering the space through windows or the effects of the timeof the year on such natural illumination. Likewise, the lighting load isnot responsive to power shortages or load shedding imposed by the localutility.

To reduce power consumption for such a system requires granulizing ofthe illumination so that it is not all on or all off. To do so requirescategorization of the fixtures into groups that can be individuallyaddressed. As one example, the groups could be: 1) the whole shop floor,2) individual assembly lines by shift, 3) individual warehouse spaces,4) shipping and receiving areas, 5) areas for supervisory personnel, 6)night lights, 7) shedable fixtures, and 8) unoccupied areas. Inaddition, the categorization could include larger categories, such as,company, building, floor, and the like.

With such a categorization, one or more CCtrl(s) and/or one or morePPTool(s) could adjust the illumination of the shop floor to match uselevels and natural illumination, as well as special situations, such asload shedding. For example, if the shop floor is used in three shifts,the illuminated areas could match the activities of the individualshifts, e.g., shipping and receiving would only be illuminated duringthe hours when shipping companies operate (e.g., 8 AM to 5 PM), whileassembly lines that run three shifts would be illuminated for the entireday. Importantly, using a PPTool, changes in utilization of the shopfloor can be easily accommodated. For example, if an assembly line wasno longer going be used for three shifts, its lights could bere-categorized as, for example, first shift lights. This could be donein two ways. If sufficient category information had already beenrecorded for the fixtures, the re-categorization could be performed by aCCtrl or a PPTool. If not, an operator could use a PPTool to send adiscovery signal to fixtures in the relevant area which were in need ofre-categorization.

As another example, consider the problem of fluorescent lighting over aset of cubicles in an office building. As a representativeconfiguration, consider the case of two dozen cubicles illuminated byforty-eight fluorescent light fixtures. Typically, the lights go on forall forty-eight fixtures when the first person arrives in the morningand go off when the last person leaves. To control such a systemrequires categorization of the fixtures into groups which can beindividually addressed. As one example, the groups could be: 1) allcubicles, 2) early shift cubicles, 3) middle shift cubicles, 4) lateshift cubicles, 4) night shift cubicles, 5) night lighting, 6) shedablefixtures, 7) particular individuals, and 8) unoccupied cubicles. Inaddition, as with the shop floor, the categorization could includelarger categories, such as, company, building, floor, and the like.

Whatever categorization is used, each SDD needs to have associatedtherewith data containing relevant categories applicable to the device.In a typical installation of, say, lighting, the following informationis generally needed regarding each light fixture, although more or lessinformation can be used as appropriate: company ID, building number,floor number, area name or number, sub-area name or number, andindividual rooms/offices. Other information that can be incorporated inthe data include device type, date of installation, maintenance periods,and the like. A variety of protocols can be used for the data, such asassigning particular bytes to each category.

The categorization data is stored in at least one memory and can bestored in multiple memories. For example, the data can be stored in amemory associated with the CAsm, and/or one associated with one or morePPTool(s), and/or one associated with one or more CCtrl(s). By storingthe categorization information in the CAsm(s), multiple CAsm(s) can becontrolled as a group by issuing just one message from a PPTool and/or aCCtrl which references the desired category or categories.

III. The Portable Programming Tool (PPTool)

A. Introduction

As discussed above, like the CAsm(s), the PPTool includes amicroprocessor subunit and a transceiver subunit, which can, forexample, employ circuitry similar to that of the CAsm(s). For example,the PPTool can employ circuitry of the type shown in FIG. 3.

A central feature of the PPTool is its ability to determine theproximity of various CAsm(s) within the PPTool(s) discovery range. Oneconvenient measure of proximity is the strength at the PPTool of the RFsignal produced by the CAsm.

In an embodiment, signal strength values are acquired through the use ofthe AGC levels (also known as the Received Signal Strength Indictor orRSSI) of the transceiver subunit of a PPTool (see, for example, AGC 378of transceiver subunit 350 of FIG. 3). By sending the RSSI back to themicroprocessor subunit using the SPI port, the microprocessor can orderthe responding CAsm(s) by their signal strengths. It should be notedthat use of the AGC level as a measure of received signal strength hasthe important benefit that signal strength can be identified without theneed for additional hardware beyond that associated with thetransceiver.

As an alternative to received signal strength, proximity information canalso be acquired by measuring times of flight between the PPTool and thevarious CAsm(s) within the PPTool's discovery range. In accordance withthis approach, the transceiver subunits of the PPTool and the CAsm(s)need to time stamp their respective outgoing and incoming data streams.In particular, in addition to the other information it sends to thePPTool (see Section II above), each CAsm needs to send back incoming andoutgoing time stamps for the discovery signal. The PPTool then uses thisdata in combination with its own time stamps for the discovery signaland for the receipt of the response from each CAsm to determine eachCAsm's time of flight, i.e., TOF=ΔT_(PPTool)−ΔT_(CAsm), whereΔT_(PPTool) equals the difference between the incoming (from the CAsm)and outgoing (discovery signal) time stamps at the PPTool and ΔT_(CAsm)equals the difference between the outgoing (from the CAsm) and incoming(discovery signal) time stamps at the CAsm. For the time of flightapproach, the data rate and RF frequency need to be high enough toresolve the expected differences in times of flight to and from thevarious CAsm(s), e.g., RF frequencies in excess of 5 GHz andcorresponding high data rates will typically be needed.

In certain embodiments, it is desirable for the CAsm(s) to be programmedso that they wait a random time before responding to a discovery signal.In this way, the chances of simultaneous responses from multiple CAsm(s)at the PPTool are minimized. The random wait can, for example, be in therange of 0 to 0.5 seconds. The microprocessor subunit can insert thisdelay when processing the discovery signal. This random delay feature isapplicable both to the signal strength and time of flight approaches. Inthe latter case, the time stamping of the incoming and outgoing signalsat the CAsm(s) and the PPTool automatically accounts for the randomdelays inserted by the CAsm(s).

B. Examples of Physical Embodiments of PPTool(s)

As discussed above, the PPTool includes a transceiver, a microprocessor,and associated memory. An important feature of the PPTool is itsportability so that a user can take the PPTool with him or her and thususe it locally to identify and categorize CAsm(s). As such, the PPToolcan have a variety of physical embodiments, representative examples ofwhich are shown in FIGS. 6A-6D. In addition to the transceiver,microprocessor, memory, and associated hardware, each of theseembodiments has a keyboard and a display, and associated software whichallows the operator to control the operation of the PPTool and thusperform the discovery, identification, and categorization operations.

FIG. 6A shows a custom handheld unit of the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,while FIGS. 6B and 6C show two embodiments employing a laptop, notebook,or similar portable device 600 interfaced to an RF unit using a USBport. The RF unit can either be incorporated in a USB stick 602 (seeFIG. 6B) or can have a separate housing 604 connected to the computer byUSB cable 806 (see FIG. 6C). The larger housing can be helpful when alarger antenna is desired for the RF unit. In terms of discovery, alarger antenna is generally not needed, but because in some embodiments,a PPTool can also serve as a CCtrl, a larger antenna may sometimes bedesirable to allow a greater range over which control can be exercised.It should be noted that connection of the RF unit through a USB port hasthe advantage that it allows power to be supplied to the RF unit fromthe portable device.

FIG. 6D shows a further embodiment where a PDA, cell phone, or similarcommunication device 608 is associated with an RF unit for communicatingwith the CAsm(s) and a battery pack for powering the RF unit andoptionally the communication device. As shown in FIG. 6D, the RF unitand battery pack can be in the physical form of a cradle 610 for thecommunication device. For an embodiment of this type, the communicationdevice can, for example, communicate with the RF unit by a USB port orwirelessly, e.g., by BLUETOOTH.

In order to conduct RF communications, the PPTool includes an RFantenna. A variety of antenna types can be used. In general, the antennaof the PPTool should be designed or operated so as to have a short rangeso that only a limited number of CAsm(s) respond during discovery andthose that do respond are perceived as having a low received signalstrength at the PPTool thus allowing better discrimination of relativesignal strengths among the responding CAsm(s) by the PPTool. The shortrange allows inexpensive and small antennas to be used in the PPTool,e.g., a trace on a circuit board.

In a case where a PPTool is also used as a CCtrl, a properly tunedantenna can be used, e.g., a longer circuit board trace (¼ wave), adielectric antenna, or a molded external dipole, so that when operatingas a CCtrl, the PPTool can communicate with a broad range of CAsm(s).During discovery, such an antenna can be attenuated or the transceivercan be programmed to transmit at lower power levels and to have reducedreceiver sensitivity.

Such properly tuned antennas can also be used in the CAsm(s) and/or theCCtrl(s). In both cases, the resulting greater ranges are desirableduring control operations of the CAsm(s). If the range is stillinsufficient to cover the entire population of CAsm(s), multipleCCtrl(s) can be used and/or some or all of the CAsm(s) can function asrepeaters (see below). In general terms, RF can be used when thecommunication is a close range communication, and RF plus RF repeaterscan be used when the communication is over longer ranges. Communicationby wire can, of course, be used for both short and long rangecommunication, e.g., to control and/or recategorize CAsm(s). Also,instead of a single RF transceiver, CAsm(s) can include two transceiverswith different ranges, e.g., one for use in communicating with PPTool(s)and the other for communicating with CCtrl(s), with the transceiver thatcommunicates with PPTool(s) having a shorter range than the one thatcommunicates with CCtrl(s).

C. Example of PPTool Circuitry

As discussed above, the PPTool can use circuitry of the type shown inFIG. 3. FIG. 7 shows the FIG. 3 microprocessor/transceiver circuitryapplied to, for example, the handheld PPTool of FIG. 1 and FIG. 6A. Asshown in this figure, microprocessor circuitry 340 communicates with thePPTool's keypad and specialized buttons 702 through interface 706 and todisplay 704 through interface 708. The microprocessor also performs2-way communication with transceiver circuitry 390 through interfaces322 and 352, and the transceiver circuitry communicates with the CAsm(s)and/or one or more CCtrl(s) through antenna 386 and its associatedcircuitry.

FIG. 8 shows suitable circuitry for the case where the PPTool employs alaptop, notebook, PDA, or the like, e.g., the embodiments of FIGS. 6B,6C and 6D when the communication with the RF unit is by way of a USBport. In this case, the microprocessor circuitry 340 communicates withUSB controller 810 through interface 812. The USB controller can, forexample, be a dedicated USB to serial device or another microprocessorprogrammed to translate the USB data to serial data and vice versa. Insome cases, depending on its peripherals, the microprocessor ofcontroller 810 can be the same microprocessor as used in microprocessorsubunit 300. The connection to the USB controller 810 is a conventionalUSB connector 808 which mates with off-the-shelf cable 806 which mateswith USB port 804 of portable device 600. In the case where the RF unitis in the form of USB stick 602, cable 806 is omitted and USB connector808 plugs directly into the portable device's USP port 804.

At present, there are three levels of USB port, i.e., USB1.1, USB2.0,and USB3, any of which can be used in connection with the presentdisclosure. Likewise, future USB variations can be used, as well asconnection hardware and protocols that may be developed in the future tosupplement or replace the USB hardware and protocols.

D. Example of PPTool and CAsm Programming and Operation

The microprocessor subunit of the PPTool can be programming in a varietyof ways using a variety of programming languages. A representativeexample of a suitable flowchart which can be executed in, for example,the C programming language, is set forth in FIG. 9. In discussing thisflowchart, for ease of presentation, it will be assumed that theoperator is using a handheld PPTool, e.g., PPTool 100 of FIG. 1, itbeing understood that similar commands can be executed from otherdevices, e.g., by using a dropdown menu or function keys on a laptop orPDA.

As shown in FIG. 9, the process begins with an operator entering orselecting relevant categorization information using, for example, keypad104 and display 102 (see FIG. 1). After the operator is satisfied withthe categorization, he/she pushes DISCOVER button 106 which causes thePPTool to send a DISCOVERY message as a low power broadcast. The PPToolthen waits for responses, and the CAsm(s) in range respond to theDISCOVERY message.

In one embodiment, the DISCOVERY message contains received signalstrength threshold information (the “discovery threshold”) which sets aminimum signal strength at the CAsm for response by the CAsm. That is,if the DISCOVERY message is below the specified level at a CAsm, theCAsm will not respond to the message even though it has received andprocessed the message. In this way, only CAsm(s) within close proximitywill respond to the DISCOVERY message and become part of the PPTool'ssorted list of responding CAsm(s). By adjusting the discovery threshold,the number of CAsm(s) responding can be increased or decreased asappropriate. In some embodiments, such an adjustment can be made in realtime using the keypad and display of the PPTool.

After a delay, the PPTool sorts the responses from the respondingCAsm(s) by signal strength and/or time of flight. The PPTool thentransmits a FLASH message to the first CAsm on the sorted response list.The operator looks for the response of the CAsm in the form of a flashor a tone and if the correct CAsm has responded, the operator pushesSTORE button 108 which causes the PPTool to save identificationinformation, including the identification number of the responding CAsmand category information for that CAsm, at least in its local memory. Ifno CAsm responds to the FLASH message, the operator can again pushDISCOVER button 106 or can exit by pushing EXIT button 112. If a CAsmdoes respond, but it is not the desired CAsm, the operator can push NEXTbutton 110 or DISCOVER button 106, as appropriate (e.g., if the NEXTbutton has been pushed multiple times and the desired CAsm has notrespond to the FLASH message, the operator can change his/her locationso as to be closer to the desired CAsm and press the DISCOVER buttonfrom that location to restart the identification/categorizationprocess).

In addition to storing categorization information in its memory inresponse to an operator pushing the STORE button, the PPTool willnormally send categorization information to the CAsm. Moreover, thePPTool can also send identification information, includingcategorization information, to one or more CCtrl(s), which may beprogrammed to acknowledge the receipt of the information. To ensure thatthe CAsm has received and stored its categorization information, theSTORE message from the PPTool can request an acknowledgement from theCAsm. If an acknowledgement is not received after a timed delay, thePPTool can try again. If an acknowledgement is received, a SUCCESSmessage can be displayed to the operator. If not, a FAILURE message canbe displayed.

In either case, control returns to the operator who can push DISCOVERbutton 106 again to restart the process, or can push NEXT button 110 tostart communication with the next CAsm on the list, or can push EXITbutton 112 to end the identification/categorization session and returnto the PPTool's initial state where it is waiting for the operator toenter or select relevant categorization information using, for example,keypad 104 and display 102.

In one embodiment, the categorization information will include an itemnumber, e.g., the first, second, third, etc. light fixture in aparticular office. To facilitate such numbering, the PPTool can beprogrammed to automatically select the same categorization informationwith an incremented item number when the operator pushes the STOREbutton, thus streamlining the categorization process for the operator.

It will be recognized that the above description of the operation of aPPTool is merely for purposes of illustration and numerous variationsand modifications can be made. For example, the PPTool will normallyhave a sleep mode, a power shut down procedure, a start up procedure andthe like, all of which are conventional for software driven devices.Similarly, the display and touch screen of a cell phone or PDA can beused to perform the PPTool functions. In the case of a laptop or otherportable computer, more extensive menus can be provided to the operatorbecause of the larger display, which can facilitate theidentification/categorization procedure especially for large industrialand/or commercial applications. Also, PPTool(s) which include fullkeyboards, e.g., a netpad or notepad, will make entering ofcategorization information easier for the operator than PPTool(s) whichcontain only a rudimentary keyboard. It should be noted that the displaypresented to an operator by the PPTool need not be the same for allCAsm(s), but can vary based on the nature of the CAsm. That is, whenresponding to a DISCOVERY message, a CAsm can include identificationinformation which is used by the PPTool to determine what menuinformation should be provided to the operator.

The PPTool programming interfaces with the programming of the CAsm(s).FIGS. 10 and 11 show an example of suitable CAsm programming for usewith the PPTool programming of FIG. 9, as well as with one or moreCCtrl(s). The programming also provides for interaction between CAsm(s)so as to achieve a repeater function to extend the RF range when needed.As with the PPTool programming of FIG. 9, the programming of FIGS. 10and 11 can be performed in C or other programming languages as desired.

As shown in these FIGS. 10 and 11, the CAsm's programming of thisembodiment performs the following operations:

-   -   (1) continuous scanning for incoming messages and determining        whether messages should be retransmitted—blocks 1301 through        1305 in FIG. 10;    -   (2) segregating CONTROL messages from DISCOVERY, STORE, and        FLASH messages—block 1306 in FIG. 10;    -   (3) processing CONTROL messages—blocks 1307 through 1313 in FIG.        10; and    -   (4) processing DISCOVERY, STORE, and FLASH messages—FIG. 11.

Although many approaches can be used to perform these functions, onesuitable approach involves assigning an index value N to each messageand to the message's content and associated parameters, e.g., themessage's unique ID, the number of allowable signal repeats (hops) forthe message, the message's received signal strength value (RSSI value)at the CAsm, and the message's associated timer for sending a repeatmessage. In the discussion that follows, these parameters for eachunique message(N) are identified by the nomenclature ID(N), HOPS(N),RSSI(N), and TIMER(N), respectively. The parameters can be incorporatedin the message or separately stored. If desired, other information canbe included in the message or separately stored such as repeat signalstrength threshold, a timeout value, and the like. Alternatively, ratherthan being associated with each message, at least some of theseparameters can be globally defined for the CAsm, e.g., by hard-coding infirmware, through a global message from a CCtrl, or the like.

There are three main paths through the specific programming of FIGS. 10and 11. In the first path, there is no incoming message and the systemdetermines if it should retransmit one or more previously receivedmessages; in the second path, there is an incoming message and thatmessage is a new message; in the third path, there is also an incomingmessage but it is a duplicate of a previously received message. Thesecond path itself has two sub-paths, i.e., a first sub-path where theincoming message is a CONTROL message and a second sub-path where it isa DISCOVERY, STORE, or FLASH message.

A convenient way to examine the operation of the programming of FIGS. 10and 11 is to begin by considering the handling of an incoming message,i.e., the second and third paths. In FIG. 10, block 1301 scans forincoming messages and upon receipt of a message, the program branches toblock 1306. Block 1306 determines whether the message is a CONTROLmessage or a DISCOVERY, STORE, or FLASH message.

If a CONTROL message, the program branches to block 1307 which uses themessage's unique ID to determine if the message is a new message or aduplicate message. In particular, block 1307 determines if ID(N) equalsthe new message's unique ID for any value of N. If not, i.e., if themessage is a new unique message, the program branches to block 1310which examines an array of timers to find an index value N wheretimer(N) is flagged as timed out, signifying availability of the indexfor use. (Note that at start-up, all timers are flagged as timed out andthat the number of timers is selected so that at least one timer whichis flagged as timed out is essentially always available for an incomingnew message.) As discussed below, the array of timers is used inconnection with block 1303 in determining when a decision onretransmission of the message should be made. Once N has been selected,block 1311 uses N to (1) set up a timer(N), (2) store the RSSI value forthe message in RSSI(N), (3) store the received message's hops value inHOPS(N), (4) store the message itself in message(N), and (5) store theunique message ID in ID(N). Although the time period (time window) setin timer(N) can be a constant, transmission congestion can be avoided bymaking its length random, e.g., in the range of 0 to 0.25 seconds.

Thereafter, control transfers to block 1312 in which the categoryinformation in the message is compared with the CAsm's stored categoryinformation. If no match is found, control is returned to block 1301. Ifa match is found, the CONTROL message is executed or an executiontrigger, a set of execution variables, or the like is set, and controlis then returned to block 1301.

It should be noted that the procedures of block 1311 are of value evenin the case of no category match, because those procedures allow forefficient repeating of messages which is needed in cases where the RFrange is insufficient to cover an entire facility, which is often thecase.

If the message is a duplicate message, control passes from block 1307 toblock 1308 where the duplicate message's RSSI value is compared with thestored RSSI(N) value for the message corresponding to the duplicatemessage. The goal of this comparison is to store in RSSI(N) the largestRSSI value received at the CAsm for any copy of the message. In thisway, the system can avoid retransmitting strong signals and onlyretransmit weak signals so as to minimize bandwidth usage and therebylower interference. Specifically, if a strong duplicate signal isreceived at a particular CAsm, the CAsm can assume that its area isbeing covered by some nearby neighbor CAsm (or the CCtrl or PPToolacting as a central controller) and thus there is no need for it to alsoretransmit the message. As discussed below, the retransmit decision ismade in block 1304 using the value stored in RSSI(N). It is of course tobe understood that this approach of comparing RSSI values is just one ofmany possible approaches for reducing bandwidth requirements and othertechniques can be used if desired, e.g., the CAsm can be programmed todetermine nearest neighbor distances and based on those distances, arepeat map can be developed and implemented by the CAsm(s) as a group todetermine which units should repeat and which should not.

If the RSSI value for the duplicate message is less than RSSI(N),control returns to block 1301. If not, control is transferred to block1309 which substitutes the RSSI value for the duplicate message for thecurrent value of RSSI(N) thus storing the strongest received message todate, and then control returns to block 1301.

If instead of a CONTROL message, the message is a DISCOVERY, STORE, orFLASH message, the program branches from block 1306 to the flowchart ofFIG. 11. This flowchart first analyzes the message to determine whetherit is a DISCOVERY message and, if so, determines whether the message'ssignal strength is above the discovery threshold discussed above inconnection with FIG. 9. If the signal strength is below the discoverythreshold, control returns to block 1301 of FIG. 10. If the signalstrength is above the discovery threshold, the CAsm responds to thePPTool with its identification information, including at least itsunique identification number. If the message from the PPTool hasincluded a power level specification for the CAsm's response, the CAsmadjusts the output of its transmitter to match the specified level.Again, once the response to the PPTool has been sent, control returns toblock 1301 of FIG. 10.

If the message is not a DISCOVERY message and if the message does notinclude the CAsm's unique ID, control is again returned to block 1301 ofFIG. 10. If the message does include the CAsm's unique ID, a check ismade to determine if the message is a STORE message and, if so, anycategory information included in the message is stored in the CAsm'smemory and control returns to block 1301 of FIG. 10. If not a STOREmessage, the CAsm checks to see if the message is a FLASH message and ifso, it produces an appropriate visual or audible signal. Control thenreturns to block 1301 of FIG. 10.

As discussed above, block 1301 of FIG. 10 continually checks forincoming messages. When a message is not being received, control ispassed to 1302 which determines if any for any value of N, timer(N) hasbeen flagged as just timed out. If not, control returns to block 1301.If so, the value of HOPS(N) is used to determine if retransmission isrequired. Specifically, if HOPS(N) is zero, then all permitted repeatshave been made somewhere in the system and control returns to block1301. If HOPS(N) is greater than zero, control is passed to block 1304which applies a second criterion to the repeat decision process, namely,a signal strength criterion. Specifically, if the current RSSI(N) valueis above a preset signal strength value (the repeat signal ceiling), themessage should not be repeated and control is returned to 1301. That is,at least one adjacent device, e.g., a CAsm or a CCtrl or a PPTool actingas a central controller, has a strong enough signal to cover the areaassociated with the particular CAsm as evidenced by the current highvalue of RSSI(N) and thus retransmission is not needed. If the RSSI(N)value is less than the repeat signal ceiling, retransmission isappropriate and thus message(N) is retransmitted with its internal HOPSvalue decremented by one. Also (not shown in FIG. 10), ID(N) is clearedand timer(N) is set to timed out allowing the N value to be rediscoveredas unused in block 1310. Thereafter, control is returned to block 1301.

The foregoing flowcharts are of course only provided for purposes ofillustration and not to limit the invention in any way. Based on thepresent disclosure, persons of ordinary skill in the art can implementthe functionality of these charts in numerous ways and in numerousprogramming languages other than those illustrated and discussed herein.

IV. The Central Controller (CCtrl)

Central control can be performed in a variety of ways using a variety ofequipment. For example, the central controller can comprise standardEthernet communication equipment and a SQL database or it can be basedon proprietary equipment such as that sold by HONEYWELL and JOHNSONCONTROLS.

In general terms, the CCtrl will include a memory for storinginformation regarding the CAsm(s) and the desired modes of operation ofthe CAsm(s). It will also include an RF unit and associatedmicroprocessor for communicating with the CAsm(s). Physically, the CCtrlcan be a single unit, e.g., a portable computer, desk top computer,server, or the like, equipped with an RF unit, where the computer hasbeen programmed to control the CAsm(s).

Alternatively, the CCtrl can be divided into a plurality of parts whichcommunicate with one another over, for example, Ethernet. In such acase, a central data base can be maintained and edited, which can bedesirable where large installations are to be controlled, e.g.,installations having multiple buildings which can be in differentlocalities. Commands can then be sent by Ethernet to a local deviceequipped to communicate with the local CAsm(s).

FIG. 13 shows a physical embodiment of a local device 1100 whichincludes Ethernet connection 1002, display 1008, and antenna 1016. FIG.12 shows circuitry that be used for the local device. As can be seen inthis figure, the electronic structure of the local device can correspondto that of the PPTool and the CAsm(s) and thus can include amicroprocessor subunit 300 and a transceiver subunit 350 whichcommunicate with each other through transceiver interface 322 andmicroprocessor interface 352. The microprocessor circuitry 340communicates with the central data base through Ethernet interface 1010and Ethernet controller 1006. The Ethernet controller receives andtransmits data through Ethernet connector 1002, which is connected to,for example, a local area network. Information regarding the status ofthe local device is provided to the operator by display 1008 whichcommunicates with the microprocessor circuitry through display interface1012.

A representative mode of operation for such a system employing a centraldata base can be as follows. All pertinent control data is transmittedover Ethernet to local device 1100 and stored in the memory of the localdevice's microprocessor subunit. In one embodiment, the data issufficient for the local device to control the local CAsm(s) withoutfurther communication from the central data base. In this way, if thecomputer with the central data base or the Ethernet connection goesdown, control of the CAsm(s) can continue under the control of the localequipment. In some cases, it may be desirable to have multiple localdevices 1100 in a particular installation so as to provide redundancy incase one of those local devices should fail. The local devices can beupdated through the Ethernet connection as needed and can also transmitinformation back to the central data base using that connection. Suchreturn information can include data regarding the performance andcondition of the CAsm(s), as well as the condition of local device 1100.

It should be noted that local device 1100 can function as a fully standalone CCtrl, e.g., once it has received information from a central database or a PPTool. In such a case, microprocessor subunit 300 willnormally have a larger capacity, e.g., larger memories and a fasterprocessor, than used in the PPTool, the CAsm(s), or a smaller localdevice 1100 which operates under continual control of a central database.

Although typically the CCtrl will control all or a large portion of afacility, “mini” CCtrl(s) (e.g., portable CCtrl(s)) can also be used to,for example, address particular categories of SDD(s), e.g., particularcategories of lights. For example, a user could have a pocket-sizedportable CCtrl for turning on different banks of warehouse lighting.More generally, a wireless light switch for a bank of lights couldfunction as a CCtrl, e.g., it could communicate with another CCtrland/or it could be mechanically activated by a user. Likewise, adedicated CCtrl with an occupancy sensor, e.g., a motion detector, couldbe used to turn on a set of lights when a person enters a particulararea of a facility. Alternatively, an occupancy sensor can beincorporated directly in one or more CAsm(s).

Typically, the commands sent by a CCtrl will be executed when received.Alternatively, the commands can comprise a schedule to be executed at alater time or date. In such a case, the CAsm(s) can include a real timeclock so that they can determine when to execute the schedule.Alternatively, the schedule can be stored in a local controller with areal time clock, which then sends messages to CAsm(s) based on theschedule. The schedule can, of course, be executed by sending messagesto the CAsm(s) from a CCtrl or a PPTool functioning as a CCtrl.

V. Representative Scenarios

The identification and categorization systems and methods discussedabove allow for a variety of procedures previously unattainable withoutextraordinary effort. The following represent just a few of the types ofprocedures that can be executed once the energy consuming devices in afacility have been identified and categorized.

A. Load Shedding by Power Companies or Power Aggregators

Load shedding has become a major problem for power companies to avoidpeak demand overloads. Today, load shedding is primarily performed on amanual basis with the energy provider contacting major users andrequesting them to shed a portion of their energy demand. Using theidentification and categorization systems and methods disclosed herein,such major users can more efficiently respond to such requests. Indeed,by selectively dropping their needs for heating, cooling, and lighting,the major users may be able to continue manufacturing or commercialactivities without interruption, even though their energy usage hasdropped significantly.

More generally, because of the ease of control provided by the presentdisclosure, it becomes practical for even smaller users to participatein load shedding, thus minimizing the overall impact of the shedding oncomfort and economic activity. Indeed, in the future, energy providerscan be allowed access to the CCtrl(s) of some or all of their customersand thus can implement load shedding on a fully automatic basis. Byagreement between, for example, a load shed aggregator and powercustomers, the load shedding can be customized for individual customersto consist of changes in particular thermostat settings in particularbuildings or portions thereof, e.g., during the summer, selectedthermostats could be raised by a few degrees to shed load during peakdemand periods. The present system allows easy categorization of whichthermostats or zones participate in the load shedding program and theextent to which they participate. Likewise, lighting can be part of theload shedding protocol. Thus, certain lights can be shut off innon-critical locations and other lights can be dimmed.

Using a PPTool, a user can easily walk through his/her facility andcategorize those thermostats and/or lights which are to participate inthe load shedding program, the extent of participation and the order inwhich thermostats are offset and lights shed depending on the severityof the power emergency. Importantly, when the power emergency ends, thereturn to normal operation can again be fully automatic and negotiatedbetween the consumer and the provider.

B. Setting Night Lights

In most commercial and industrial facilities, at night, a small portionof fluorescent lights are normally left on. In current practice, thelights that are left on are hardwired to a specific “night light”circuit. To change the night lighting is a major undertaking whichrequires rewiring of fixtures. Moreover, even the initial distributionof night lighting is often suboptimum because the facility has notactually been put into use and thus the actual locations of machinery,aisles, and work areas are not yet known with final precision. Also, itis the rare facility that does not change at least some of its layoutsover time, which often makes the initial night lighting placement evenworse.

The present disclosure addresses this problem in two ways. First, usinga PPTool, the user can walk the facility's floors at night and identifyand categorize the fixtures that should belong to the night lightinggroup in real time. Second, if there are plant layout changes,modification of the night lighting is as simple as the originalcategorization, e.g., by again walking the floor with a PPTool andobserving night light coverage. Also, in some cases, it may be possibleto accommodate the new layout using information stored in the CCtrlwithout the need for a second walkthrough. For example, a decommissionedwarehouse may no longer need any night lighting or minimal lighting,either of which can be effectuated from a CCtrl.

A variety of modifications that do not depart from the scope and spiritof the invention will be evident to persons of ordinary skill in the artfrom the foregoing disclosure. For example, the RF communicationsdescribed herein can be encrypted and may include customeridentification numbers and/or passwords to prevent tampering orinadvertent cross-talk between spatially adjacent implementations. Thefollowing claims are intended to cover the specific embodiments setforth herein as well as modifications, variations, and equivalents ofthose embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for identifying an individual electricaldevice among a plurality of spatially-distributed electrical devices,each of the devices having associated therewith its own RF transceiverand its own microprocessor and associated memory for storing (i) anidentification number and (ii) category information, where categoryinformation is: (a) information other than the device's identificationnumber by which the device can be selectively communicated with, and (b)information that can be changed from time-to-time, the methodcomprising: (A) broadcasting, from a portable device, an RF discoveryrequest to the spatially-distributed electrical devices requesting RFtransmissions comprising identification numbers from the devices; (B)receiving, at the portable device, RF transmissions comprisingidentification numbers returned by devices as a result of step (A) anddetermining a perceived proximity for each received RF transmission fromtime of flight, received signal strength, or both time of flight andreceived signal strength; (C) ordering the identification numbersreceived in step (B) by perceived proximity; (D) selecting anidentification number from the ordered identification numbers of step(C), the selected identification number corresponding to the devicehaving the closest perceived proximity; and (E) performing, uponselection by an operator, the step of transmitting an RF signal to thedevice associated with the selected identification number so as to causethe device to store category information for the device.
 2. The methodof claim 1 wherein the method comprises performing, upon selection by anoperator, the step of transmitting an RF signal to the device associatedwith the selected identification number so as to cause the device toproduce a visual or audible signal.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein themethod comprises performing, upon selection by an operator, the step ofstoring category information for the device associated with the selectedidentification number in a memory associated with the portable deviceand/or in a memory associated with a remote controller.
 4. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising repeating step (E) with at least one otheridentification number corresponding to a device having a perceivedproximity greater than the closest perceived proximity.
 5. The method ofclaim 4 wherein the at least one other identification number is theidentification number corresponding to the device with the next-closestperceived proximity.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the method furthercomprises: (i) changing category information of one or more devicesusing a category signal which comprises a message and, so as todetermine which of the devices is to have its category informationchanged, at least one of: (1) the category information of step (E), (2)the category information of step (E) which has been changed one or moretimes, (3) one or more identification numbers, and/or (ii) controllingone or more devices using a control signal which comprises a messageand, so as to determine which of the devices is to execute the controlsignal, at least one of: (1) the category information of step (E), (2)the category information of step (E) which has been changed one or moretimes, (3) one or more identification numbers.
 7. The method of claim 6wherein the changing of category information of one or more devicesand/or the controlling of one or more devices is performed from aportable device and/or a central controller.
 8. The method of claim 6wherein the category signal and/or the control signal is an RF signal.9. The method of claim 8 wherein the message of the category signaland/or the message of the control signal is repeated by an RFtransceiver associated with at least one of the devices.
 10. The methodof claim 9 wherein the message of the category signal and/or the messageof the control signal is only repeated at the end of a time window andonly then if the message to be repeated is associated with a signalstrength value less than a signal strength ceiling.
 11. The method ofclaim 10 wherein the length of the time window is random.
 12. The methodof claim 1 wherein the RF transmissions comprising identificationnumbers are returned by devices after a random delay.
 13. The method ofclaim 1 wherein in step (A), the RF discovery request broadcasted fromthe portable device includes a signal strength threshold value which isused by devices to determine if an RF transmission comprising anidentification number should be made.
 14. The method of claim 1 whereinat least one of the plurality of spatially-distributed electricaldevices controls another device.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein theplurality of spatially-distributed electrical devices perform generallythe same function.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of theplurality of spatially-distributed electrical devices is in more thanone category.
 17. A system comprising: (A) a plurality ofspatially-distributed electrical devices, each of the devices havingassociated therewith its own RF transceiver and its own microprocessorand associated memory for storing (i) an identification number and (ii)category information, where category information is: (a) informationother than the device's identification number by which the device can beselectively communicated with, and (b) information that can be changedfrom time-to-time, the microprocessor being programmed to perform atleast the following operations: (i) receive an RF discovery request froma portable programming tool; and (ii) transmit an RF signal comprisingthe device's identification number in response to the RF discoveryrequest; and (B) a portable programming tool comprising an RFtransceiver and a microprocessor system programmed to perform at leastthe following operations: (i) broadcasting an RF discovery signal whichrequests spatially-distributed electrical devices to return at least anidentification number; (ii) receiving RF signals fromspatially-distributed electrical devices, the RF signals comprisingidentification numbers, and determining a perceived proximity for eachreceived RF signal from time of flight, received signal strength, orboth time of flight and received signal strength; (iii) ordering theidentification numbers by perceived proximity; (iv) selecting anidentification number from the ordered identification numbers, theselected identification number corresponding to the device having theclosest perceived proximity, and (v) receiving an operator input andbased on that input, performing the step of transmitting an RF signal tothe device associated with the selected identification number so as tocause the device to store category information for the device.
 18. Thesystem of claim 17 wherein the portable programming tool'smicroprocessor system is programmed to receive an operator input andbased on that input, perform the step of transmitting an RF signal tothe device associated with the selected identification number so as tocause the device to produce a visual or audible signal.
 19. The systemof claim 17 wherein the portable programming tool's microprocessorsystem is programmed to receive an operator input and based on thatinput, perform the step of storing category information for the deviceassociated with the selected identification number in a memoryassociated with the portable device and/or in a memory associated with aremote controller.
 20. The system of claim 17 wherein the portableprogramming tool's microprocessor system is programmed to receive anoperator input and based on that input, perform the step of repeating(B)(v) with at least one other identification number corresponding to adevice having a perceived proximity greater than the closest perceivedproximity.
 21. The system of claim 17 further comprising a centralcontroller which communicates by wire or RF with thespatially-distributed electrical devices to control and/or changecategory information of at least one of the devices.
 22. A portableprogramming tool comprising: (A) an RF transceiver, and (B) amicroprocessor system programmed to perform at least the followingoperations: (i) broadcasting an RF discovery signal which requestselectrical devices to return at least an identification number; (ii)receiving RF signals from electrical devices, the RF signals comprisingidentification numbers, and determining a perceived proximity for eachreceived RF signal from time of flight, received signal strength, orboth time of flight and received signal strength; (iii) ordering theidentification numbers by perceived proximity; (iv) selecting anidentification number from the ordered identification numbers, theselected identification number corresponding to the device having theclosest perceived proximity, and (v) receiving an operator input andbased on that input, performing the step of transmitting an RF signal tothe device associated with the selected identification number so as tocause the device to store category information for the device, wherecategory information is: (a) information other than the device'sidentification number by which the device can be selectivelycommunicated with, and (b) information that can be changed fromtime-to-time.
 23. The portable programming tool of claim 22 wherein themicroprocessor system is programmed to receive an operator input andbased on that input, perform the step of transmitting an RF signal tothe device associated with the selected identification number so as tocause the device to produce a visual or audible signal.
 24. The portableprogramming tool of claim 22 wherein the microprocessor system comprisesa single microprocessor.
 25. The portable programming tool of claim 22wherein the microprocessor system comprises multiple processors.
 26. Theportable programming tool of claim 25 wherein the multiple processorscomprise a processor of a portable computer or a portable communicationdevice and a microprocessor which communicates with the RF transceiverand with the processor of the portable computer or the portablecommunication device.
 27. The portable programming tool of claim 22wherein received signal strength is determined using an AGC level.